How harmful are low-quality e-liquids?
In recent years, e-cigarettes have quickly become popular around the world due to their "harm reduction" concept and rich flavors. However, lagging market supervision has led to the proliferation of inferior e-liquids, among which the problem of excessive harmful substances such as formaldehyde and heavy metals is particularly serious. In 2023, the US FDA's random inspection showed that 23% of the commercially available e-liquids had excessive formaldehyde, while the China Consumers Association report pointed out that the heavy metal content of some e-cigarettes exceeded the national standard by more than 5 times. This article will deeply analyze the health threats of inferior e-liquids and provide practical identification methods.
1. Three fatal hazards of inferior e-liquid
1. Formaldehyde: invisible lung killer
Production mechanism: high temperature cracking of glycerol produces formaldehyde dimethyl acetal (carcinogen)
Hazard data: When the concentration is > 0.75mg/m³ (common value of inferior e-liquid), it is equivalent to inhaling industrial waste gas, and long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer by 40% (WHO data)
Symptom warning: burning throat and persistent dry cough after use should be discontinued immediately
2. Heavy metals: accumulation of neurotoxins
Main ingredients: lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, etc. (from inferior atomizer core)
Human impact: excessive lead damages the development of children's nervous system, and cadmium accumulation leads to an increased risk of renal failure
Typical case: In 2022, Shenzhen seized a certain brand of e-liquid with a lead content of 1.2mg/L (national standard limit 0.05mg/L)
3. Illegal additives: sweet trap
Diacetyl (the culprit of popcorn lung), vitamin E acetate (causing pulmonary lipid accumulation), saccharin sodium (high temperature produces benzene series)
2. Four steps to identify inferior e-liquid
1. Look at the packaging
Regular products: indicate the ingredient list, production license number, GMP certification
Inferior products: no text label, barcode cannot be traced
2. Observe the properties
High-quality e-liquid: transparent and free of suspended matter (such as pure syrup)
Problem e-liquid: stratified precipitation (heavy metal precipitation), abnormal viscosity (excessive thickener)
3. Smell the odor
Qualified products: pure aroma without pungent chemical smell
Inferior products: obvious alcohol smell (solvent residue), burnt smell (glycerin deterioration)
4. Check the certification
International certification: FDA PMTA, TPD (EU)
Domestic certification: CNAS test report, beware of "laboratory preparation" and other three-no products
3.Consumer Protection Guide
1. Purchase channel selection
Give priority to brands such as Sanlei, RELX, MODI, etc., and avoid low-priced products from WeChat merchants (the unqualified rate of random inspection exceeds 60%)
2. Safety recommendations for use
Let the newly opened e-liquid stand for 24 hours (to volatilize residual solvents), avoid using it at a power higher than the recommended power (high temperature increases the generation of harmful substances), and stop using it immediately if dizziness and nausea occur
I4. Industry regulatory trends
In 2023, China has implemented the "E-cigarette Management Measures" to enforce ingredient disclosure, and the EU has banned flavored e-liquids from 2024 (to reduce the abuse of additives). It is recommended to pay attention to the regular sampling reports of the National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Inspection Center
Conclusion: Healthy atomization requires rational choice
E-cigarettes are not absolutely safe. Choose products that have passed international certifications such as ISO8317, and avoid buying e-liquids that are 50% lower than the market average price. It is recommended that consumers replace the atomizer every 3 months and clean it regularly to avoid heavy metal deposition. Your lung health deserves more caution.
(Source of data in this article: WHO "Global E-cigarette Regulatory Report", China CDC "E-cigarette Health Risk Assessment", Journal of Analytical Toxicology)
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